Question: My wife is a small business owner, and is covered under my policy. However, the cost of covering her is exorbitant. Can she opt out of my coverage and buy her own policy on the new exchanges?

Answer: Your wife can purchase individual health insurance on the state exchange, but she will not be eligible for a subsidy because she has access to employer-based health insurance through your employment. The exception to this rule is if your shared contribution to your own coverage (employee-only) exceeds 9.5% of your income. In that case you and your spouse may be eligible for an advance tax credit in the exchange.